The three big economic stories since last month’s election 
have been a dynamic stock market rally, a strengthening dollar, and rising economic confidence.
Here are some encouraging statistics to ponder:
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed Wednesday at 19,549, up more than 9% since Election Day.
- The Dollar's steady strengthening continues, since November 8th up 3% against the Euro and 8% against the Yen.
- The U.S. Economic Confidence Index this week reached its highest level in 9 years, up a full 15% since the week before Election Day.
- In November the U.S. economy added 178,000 jobs, reducing the unemployment rate to 4.6%, its lowest level since August 2007.
Of course and as one looks for them, threatening economic clouds can be found everywhere. But for now, the US economic mood is one of optimism, confidence, and possibility.
And so the ambitious executive should ask: How should 2017 business plans and performance expectations be “reset” in light of this improved outlook?
Here are three ideas:
#3. Raise Capital. As your business has adjacent opportunities for which the raising of outside growth capital would accelerate their pursuit, now is the time to go out there and get it.
In my 15 years of working with companies of all types and sizes with their fund-raising efforts, I have found that overall economic confidence is by far the most important factor as to the success or failure of any particular company's financing efforts.
When economic confidence is low - as it was during the Great Recession -almost nobody can raise money.
And when confidence is high, for example as it was during the late 1990s, almost anyone with a solid plan and who gives a heartfelt, assertive effort can.
So if the predictions of 3%+ growth for the US economy in 2017 hold true, then with them will come increasing economic confidence and thus a far easier time for companies of all types and sizes to raise capital.
#2. Work Harder. I vividly recall a conversation I had with a very successful IT services entrepreneur a few years back. He said that in reviewing his financial records October 2008 to March 2010 he determined that he would have made more money if he had closed his doors and sat on the beach during that time instead of actually running his business!
Well, good economic conditions like these are the karmic reward for those that fought and scratched to keep the "lights on" when times were dire.
AND the right reaction is NOT to work less because getting good results takes less effort, but rather to work twice as hard to profit from all the growth and expansion opportunities frothy conditions uniquely allow.
#1. Raise Expectations. As a proud and lifelong New England Patriots fan, I have been so inspired by the “winning is the only option” mindsets of Messrs. Belichick and Brady.
Sure, there's always some excuse for why a game was won or lost, or why a business grows or does not.
Excuses yes, but really no good reasons.
And just like my Patriots are marching relentlessly toward another division title and Super Bowl berth, so is 2017 shaping up to be a championship season for US business.
And that should be the expectation for all of us - record years for sales, profits, asset allocation, and growth.
The macro conditions are there for the taking.
Now it is up to us to go out and win the game.